KNITS FOR YOUR PETS - GREAT IDEAS INSIDE! ISSUE 156 Apr 2020
All garments
PLUS SIZE!
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
New season style
33 BRIGHT & EASY
KNITS!
BALLET BUNNY WITH TWO OUTFITS
MAKE THIS IN SIZES 8-22
CROCHET STASHBUSTER QUICK CHUNKY BAG
SIMPLE HOME UPDATES
TOP 20 SPRING MUST-HAVES!
13 PAGES OF FABULOUS FASHION
NEW YARNS AND PATTERNS FROM ALL THE TOP BRANDS £7.99 | Apr 20 Issue 156
ALL THIS & MORE
INSIDE!
SOCKS ROCK
MELLOW YELLOW
LEARN LINEN STITCH
ESSENTIAL YARNS FOR FOOT FANS
FAB FIBRES IN THE SUNNIEST OF SHADES
MASTER THIS STRIKING EFFECT IN SIMPLE STEPS
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
14 63
39
If your wardrobe consists of 50 shades of grey then we’d like to invite you to step outside your comfort zone! There’s not a neutral in sight in our Bright & Bold Collection on page 14. But before you cast on any of our vibrant garments, check out our guide to crafting with colour on page 40 and discover how to choose shades that complement your skin tone. Using colour in knitting is a great opportunity to explore colourwork, from simple stripes to more intricate Fair Isle like our stunning Stranded Sea baby sweater on page 63. You can also learn how to work linen stitch on page 84. When it comes to speciic hues, you can’t get much brighter than yellow: check out our choice of yarns in this sunny shade on page 39. The dafodils are out, which means it must be time for our Spring/Summer must-haves! Turn to page 59 for our Top 20 picks for the season ahead. There’s still plenty of time to nominate your favourites in the British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2020. Everyone who does will receive a free Hexagon Blanket pattern, so visit letsknit.co.uk/ awards today to make sure you get yours.
ABOVE RIGHT: The Bright & Bold Collection, p14 ABOVE LEFT: Get creative with colourwork, p63 CENTRE: Mellow Yellow. p39 LEFT: our Top 20 must-haves for spring and summer, p59
59
BELOW: free hexagon blanket pattern, p57
57
Happy Knitting
28
Sarah
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
sarah.neal@aceville.co.uk
Get Let’s Knit delivered straight to your door
Amanda Berry Exclusive
SMOKEY THE CAT AND BRUNO THE PUG
Go to page 28 and sign up! Find us at facebook.com/ letsknitmag
Follow us on pinterest/ letsknitmag
Tweet us @letsknitmag
All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main speciied yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
Instagram @letsknitmag
www
Visit us at letsknit.co.uk
are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
03 letsknit.co.uk
SHOPPING April 2020
In this issue
8
See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for April
27 This Month We’re Loving...Socks Endless inspiration for fans of sock knitting
39 Mellow Yellow Embrace tranquillity with these pretty picks
66 Totally Tubular
25
45
Enjoy our fabulous collection of ibres
81 Newslash Catch up with the latest news in knitting
FOCUS 40 Craft With Colour Find your special shade with our comprehensive guide
57 British Knitting & Crochet Awards
Cover Star
Vote for your favourites and have your say Easter Basket
59 TOP 20 We share our must-haves for the spring and summer months
69 Crafty Creatures We share our favourite pics of your precious pets
76 Keep Calm & Cast On Sit back and relax with our mindfulness special
83 Let’s Knit Yarn Shop Tour This month we focus on celebrating with special guests
86 What’s The Secret? Discover top tips for tricky techniques
PEOPLE 10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
12 Out and About Fill your calendar with wonderful events
31
Rainbow Sweater
Let us help you! WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
BY PHONE: 01206 508622 (oice hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot ofer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
72 Charity Corner Multi-coloured bag
Contact us HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0800 904 7000, aceville@dctmedia.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
04 letsknit.co.uk
Knitters using their needles to make a diference
98 My Life In Patterns We hear from knitter and fundraiser Patricia Wilson
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 7 28 43 50 51 70 52 93
Welcome Just For You This Month Subscriptions Read & Relax Teabreak Coming Next Month Giveaways Reader Ofer Knitter’s Know-How
53
63
WIN! WIN! WIN! OVER
£1,000
OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 70 Stranded Sea Sweater
PATTERNS Corina the Ballet Bunny
48
34
54
Easter Extras
37
Mitred Square Rainbow Cushion
Contrast Lace Top
Colourful Bunting
Striped Oversized Sweater
16 Contrast Lace Top 19 Striped Oversized Sweater 21 Lace Trim Cardigan 23 Round Neck Sweater 25 Rainbow Sweater 31 Multi-coloured Bag 34 Mitred Square Rainbow Cushion 37 Colourful Bunting 45 Easter Basket 48 Easter Extras 53 Corina the Ballet Bunny 63 Stranded Sea Sweater 67 Beautiful Baby Blanket 74 Crocheted Cafetière Cosy 77 Striped Shawl 84 Linen Stitch Bag Tutorial
Round Neck Sweater
Lace Trim Cardigan
1 SE 3-P CT AG IO E N
THE BRIGHT AND BOLD COLLECTION Starts on page 14 05 letsknit.co.uk
JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
BUMPER EASTER KIT with special fluffy yarn
No. 1 for gifts
Our Bernard Bunny is here to welcome in the spring season and we’ve given you the fabulous leecy yarn to make him in this issue’s kit. Designed by Stei Hochfellner, he’s full of character and is the perfect size for great big hugs. There are also more project ideas for this month’s yarn pack on page 46, plus even more great seasonal patterns to download for free at letsknit.co.uk/eastermakes. Don’t miss your bonus pattern collection, courtesy of Thomas B. Ramsden featuring nine designs for women and babies!
Knit Bernard bunny
THIS MONTH’S
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE! BONUS PATTERN BOOK! Nine fabulous designs from Thomas B. Ramsden
150g bumper kit including 70g of special lufy yarn for only £7.99*! Simply visit magazinestoyou.com or call 0800 904 7000 *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
FREE* YARN PACK, WORTH £6.99!
*UK customers only, just pay postage
Boost your stash with these fabulous mini balls of yarn! They’re perfect for toy making, blanket squares, colourwork and charity projects and you get all eight bright and cheerful shades. Whether you’re a knitting or crochet fan, turn to page 82 to find out how to claim your yarns for free*!
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
3Ultra soft fleecy yarn 3Classic bunny pattern 3Bonus Easter downloads 316-page pattern book extra 3FREE* yarn pack
Find over 1,600 fabulous knitting patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! KNIT YOUR OWN UNICORN! Use the four bright yarns in your pack to knit Steffi Hochfellner’s magical make. There are vibrant shades and easy-to-follow instructions! Look out for more fantastical projects to download at letsknit.co.uk
DON’T MISS 07 letsknit.co.uk
MAY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 9TH APRIL
YOUR 13 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The Bright and Bold
Collection COLOURFUL CREATIONS TO WELCOME IN THE SPRING
PAGE
16 Contrast Lace Top
PAGE
19 LAYER UP IN THIS STYLISH DESIGN
Striped Oversized Sweater
B riht and eaut ful WOW THE CROWDS IN OUR STATEMENT KNIT
Bring the sunshine into your new season wardrobe with vibrant tones and easy colourwork. Stripes are a super simple way to transform your monochrome knits, whether you choose just a few bands of colour or the rainbow efect. If you prefer a more understated look, then contrasting edgings are the answer, or you could pick one single shade and make a statement. Don’t forget, all of these patterns can be worked in any colour combo you like!
EASY shape
14 letsknit.co.uk
THE STYLE
Edit
LESS IS MORE WITH THIS EVERYDAY FAVE
PAGE
21 Lace Trim Cardigan
PAGE
25 Rainbow Sweater
Kep t simpe PRETinTk Y in p
PAGE
23 Round Neck Sweater
EMBELLISH A CLASSIC CARDI WITH A PRETTY LACE EDGING
WE LOVE THE GLORIOUS SUNSHINE YELLOW OF THIS PLUS-SIZE TOP
or sizes 14-32
Great fr ewbies 15 letsknit.co.uk
ACCESSORY
pattern
Diamond DAYS
VE
IV
E TO
V E TO •
SI
LUSI
EXCLU
•
C EX
STAND OUT WITH THIS VIBRANT SHOPPER FROM SIÂN BROWN If you are an eco-conscious crafter it’s likely that you have already sworn off plastic bags, but keeping your resolve has never been easier thanks to this gorgeous rainbow make. Not only does this project provide an excellent introduction to knitting with multiple yarn shades, it is also a great choice for ambitious crafters who want to understand the basics of following a chart.
great ADVICE “On the chart the RS rows are read right to left and the WS rows are read left to right.”
LK DESIGNER, Siân
31 letsknit.co.uk
Brown
EXCLU TO • S
HOME
pattern
SPRING Celebration E TO
VE
IV
SI
TO • E X C L US
We often feel that garter stitch is under-used in many patterns, but it’s a great choice for this simple bunting as the edges don’t curl. The cotton yarn gives deinition to the stitches so shows of the texture well. Feel free to get creative with colour as you need just 25g of each shade. Finish of each triangle lag with a fun tassel.
•
L U S I V E TO • EXCLU
KNIT YOUR OWN REUSABLE PARTY DEC WITH LUCINDA GANDERTON’S EASY BUNTING
C EX
Make this for UNDER £7! 37 letsknit.co.uk
HOME
pattern
Beautiful BASKET USIV
E TO
• EX
S
E
VE TO •
CLU
IV
E
L XC
ENJOY ANOTHER IRRESISTIBLE DESIGN FROM SACHIYO ISHII
45 letsknit.co.uk
Take your Easter egg hunts to the next level with this delightful basket. It features pretty flowers in pastel colours that could also work as brooches or present toppers, plus a deceptively easy basket weave effect that you can produce by simply alternating your knit and purl stitches as instructed. Whether you treat your little one or use this make to enhance your spring décor, the results are sure to be incredible!
TO
• EXCLUSI
Don’t miss our...
Next issue
Gliter effect yarn
MAY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 9TH APRIL * FREE 100 KNITTING
SPARKLY UNICORN YARN KIT!
PATTERNS COLLECTION
FAB PRIZES ALSO! TO BE WON!
Worth £9.99
4 bright shades inside
Worth £8.99
NO-SEW SPRING STUNNERS! Choose seam-free style with our brilliant fashion edit featuring five garments with little or no sewing skills required
PLUS
4 WHAT’S ON THIS YARN SHOP DAY 4 HOW TO EXPAND YOUR CRAFTING HORIZONS 4 TOP YARNS TO BUY AND TRY
PLUS!
PATTERN BOOK EXTRA
Projects subject to change. *Just pay postage, UK customers only
From
patern picks
le bag 3 Bobble cardigan cab ok -lo nim de n ow ur yo it Kn 2 l tai 1 Colourful cushion with leaf de go with hand-dyed yarn a ve Ha 5 s trim y eas th wi om hro bat for ages 0-7 years 4 Boost your 51 letsknit.co.uk
TOY
pattern
Ballet BUNNY HOP TO IT AND KNIT SUSIE JOHNS’ SUPER-CUTE CRITTER Corina the rabbit loves to dance. In fact, she is a world famous prima ballerina! Although she would make a fabulous Easter gift, she will also keep your little one company all year round. Just imagine how much fun your youngster would have dressing Corina up in a combination of footless tights, a skirt, a crossover cardi, legwarmers and – of course – a handy headband to hold back those floppy ears.
• EXCLUSIV
E
T
LU
SIVE TO • E X C
L
53 letsknit.co.uk
• E XC
US
O
IVE
TO
Nominate online at letsknit.co.uk/awards
Win! Win! Win! AN EXOTIC YARN BUNDLE IN RSHIP NE RT PA WITH
NOMINATE YOUR FAVOURITES IN THE BRITISH KNITTING & CROCHET AWARDS 2020 AND YOU COULD WIN ALL THIS!
OVER
50 BALLS! Tell us which knitting and crochet products, designers and brands you love, and over 50 balls of exotic yarn could be yours! Nominate your favourites in the British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2020 and you could be knitting with a new and exciting yarn every week of the year! Courtesy of top brands, this bundle includes luxury skeins, faux fur, boucle, yarn cakes, mohair, ribbon yarn and a host of other exciting must-try novelties. Not only that, everyone who visits letsknit.co.uk/awards to nominate online receives a free downloadable pattern for a funky Hexagon Blanket. The British Knitting & Crochet Awards are hosted annually by Let’s Knit and Let’s Get Crafting magazines and are now in their 13th year. The 21 categories online are all entirely voted for by readers, so don’t miss your chance to give your knitting and crochet heroes the recognition they deserve! Once all the nominations are in, a shortlist of the most popular yarns, stores, designers and accessories will be assembled ready for the inal voting stage. Nominations close on 8th April so have your say now to make sure your favourites won’t be left out!
A WORD FROM OUR PARTNER “Arena Travel is proud to present Stitchtopia craft holidays – a wonderful collection of creative holidays uniquely crafted with you in mind! From knitting and crochet to quilting and embroidery, our craft holidays are specially created for small groups of like-minded people, embracing all things creative. Each holiday has been carefully designed by our dedicated team of travel experts, who share a passion for crafting.
The attention is in the detail and we ensure every crafter enjoys a seamless travel experience as they explore the textile heritage of some of the world’s most exotic destinations, as well as the rich textile traditions around our own UK shores. Every holiday is accompanied by a well-known and enthusiastic expert, and with their friendly guidance lies the opportunity to learn new and diferent crafting techniques.” Find out more at stitchtopia.co.uk or follow @stitchtopiauk on social media.
ENTER ONLINE Everyone who visits letsknit.co.uk/awards to nominate online will receive a free downloadable pattern for Nicola Valiji’s vibrant Hexagon Blanket – a fantastic way to put your stash to good use! CLOSING DATE: 8th April 2020
57 letsknit.co.uk
TOP WE SHARE OUR MUST-HAVES FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER MONTHS
A
s the seasons change we are granted a fresh start, a chance to approach our lives and (of course) our knitting projects with an energised, inspired and upbeat outlook. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities before us, we decided to keep things simple by creating a countdown of our favourite new releases. So, in no particular order, here are our top twenty picks for the year ahead...
59 letsknit.co.uk
KID’S
pattern
under the SEA TREAT YOUR TOT TO THIS SUPER-CUTE CARDI FROM JANE BURNS There’s nothing quite like a Fair Isle knit, especially when there’s a theme involved. As the weather warms up and we start dreaming of trips to the seaside, it makes sense to opt for colourful projects that raise the spirits. Knitters who are experienced in working with multiple yarn shades will find this project a walk in the park; however, less practised crafters should also have a go. Simply read our handy advice panel for everything you need to know about Fair Isle!
• EXCLUSIVE O T T
US
• EXC
IVE
O LU
SIV
E TO • E X
CL
63 letsknit.co.uk
HOME
pattern
USIV
Baby BOOM
E TO • EX
S
E
VE TO •
CLU
IV
E
L XC
JULIE FERGUSON’S MAKE IS SO MUCH EASIER THAN IT LOOKS!
TO
• EXCLUSI
Slip stitches are the secret to transforming what are effectively simple stripes into this colourwork masterpiece. Known as mosaic knitting, this technique reintroduces past colours into your row, giving you pretty patterns without the fuss. The springtime shades are charmingly cheery and the yarn is super soft yet practical too, making this knit a hit with mums and tots alike.
67 letsknit.co.uk
ADVERTORIAL
THE LET’S KNIT YARN SHOP TOUR
Time To Celebrate We’re continuing with our brilliant feature series highlighting some of the UK’s best bricks and mortar knitting suppliers. All of these retailers are taking part in this year’s Yarn Shop Day on Saturday 2nd May and will be welcoming some very special guests. Head in store to ind out more!
TERRIFIC TRUNK SHOW
MEET THE MAKERS
The Yarn Cake, Glasgow
Rainbow Valley, Chatteris This Yarn Shop Day you can discover gorgeous yarns and patterns and chat to expert designers at Rainbow Valley. Meet Cassie from The Missing Yarn (right) who creates bright and bold designs, plus Vicky from Vera and Bess (below) and owner Helen Free, a.k.a Enfys, will be showcasing their fabulous projects too. Buy a designer pattern with the yarn to make it and you’ll save 20% on your order. If you wish the team a “Happy Yarn Shop Day” when making a purchase on the day, you’ll get 10% of. Visit: 25B, High Street, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, PE16 6BG Contact: 01354 669922, enfys.me.uk
Join Sunshine Stewart of My Mama Knits for a brilliant Trunk Show at The Yarn Cake. These showcases have become a Yarn Shop Day tradition in store and this year is deinitely worth a visit. Sunshine Stewart ofers unique and quirky hand dyed yarns and her colourways are inspired by nature, popular culture and her children. There will also be goodie bags, discounts and a rale on the day! Visit: 148 Queen Margaret Drive Glasgow G20 8NY Contact: 0141 946 5305, theyarncake.co.uk
PERFECT POP UP Ida’s House, Caterham on the Hill To mark Yarn shop Day, Ida’s House will be hosting a one-day pop-up featuring three indie dyers! In-house dyer Ted from Tedsknits will be showcasing his fabulous jewel colours inspired by his garden, while Tara from Irish Artisan Yarns dyes luxury yarn in the shades of the Irish landscape. Don’t miss Lola from Third Vault Yarns who is inluenced by all things sci-i and fantasy. The irst ten people to spend £50 will also receive a special goodie bag! Visit: 27 High Street, Caterham on the Hill, Surrey, CR3 5UE Contact: 01883 345220, idashouse.co.uk
SPECIAL GUESTS Pins and Needles, Devizes Meet top designers and ibre artists in store on Yarn Shop Day! You’ll get to see the new designs by The Secret Crocheter and shop-owner Vixter Woolista (above left), plus talented spinner Sue Savage will there with her gorgeous yarns. The day will be a Bagstravaganza with special guest Sarah Hillman, a.k.a. Florrie & Jean, who makes fabulous project bags and needle rolls. There’s also a Scrapheap Challenge with prizes for the favourite bags created entirely from scraps and leftovers. Pop along on Yarn Shop Day to join in the fun! Visit: Units 9-10 The Wharf Centre, Couch Lane, Devizes, SN10 1EB Contact: 01380 727212, facebook.com/ pinsandneedlesdevizes/
FIND MORE OF OUR OFFICIAL YARN SHOP DAY PARTNER STORES ON PAGE 87!
LEARN WITH US
6MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES 23cm wide at narrowest point x 23cm deep
MASTER LINEN STITCH WITH JO ALLPORT’S HOW-TO GUIDE
KNIT KIT
LUS
I V E TO
IV
E TO
•
C EX
•
E X C L US
EXCLU S TO •
Yarn: Rico Essentials Mega Wool Chunky, shades (A) 014 Grey, (B) 006 Mustard, (C) 008 Lilac, one 100g ball of each Needles: 6mm Zip: 20cm Tapestry needle
E
CHUNKY YARN
IV
GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
In te BAG
From its spicy shades to its gorgeous shape, we love everything about this stylish clutch bag. The top band is worked in linen stitch which creates a tight-knit woven effect. LK designer Jo Allport demonstrates this fabulous technique in her step-by-step photo tutorial. The zip adds a professionallooking finish and you could even line this bag with fabric for extra strength.
TENSION SQUARE n 14 sts x 36 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Linen stitch n 6mm needles
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
ABOUT THE YARN Rico Essentials Mega Wool Chunky is a wool and acrylic mix that knits up quickly on 6mm needles. Projects can be machine washed at 40°C. It costs £6 per 100g (125m) ball from 07525233996, beadandwoolshop.co.uk
A LOCAL YARN SHOP IS A GREAT PLACE TO BUY ALL YOUR KNITTY ESSENTIALS FIND YOURS ON P87
Chunky
QUICK KNIT
84 letsknit.co.uk